Belfast’s LGBTQ+ communities celebrated with new stained glass window at City Hall

The contribution of Belfast’s LGBTQ+ community has been marked by Belfast City Council with the unveiling of a new stained glass window at City Hall.

The design of the colourful window, which shows pivotal moments in the community’s development and was designed in partnership with representatives from the sector, includes quotes from, and references to, contemporary LGBTQ+ figures, visualisations of key milestones and images and banners depicting LGBTQ+ led campaigns, including Love Equality and Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners.

Bright colours represent the Progress Pride flag, while the window is framed with green carnations, a flower associated with Oscar Wilde.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, officially unveiled the new artwork, alongside Cara McCann, Director of HERe NI, an inclusive organisation to support LGBTQ+ women.

Councillor Micky Murray said: “The unveiling of this window in Belfast’s most iconic building is a significant moment for our LGBTQ+ community. It is a statement that our city is welcoming and inclusive, and both recognises, and celebrates, the contribution and importance of our LGBTQ+ citizens.

“This artwork is also the latest step in ensuring City Hall is a shared space for everyone and it will be seen by hundreds of tourists and visitors who visit the building every week. The window itself is stunning – a fantastic addition to the space and a worthy response to all the ideas and suggestions put forward by the community. I also hope it will be an inspiration for everyone continuing to fight inequality.”

Cara McCann from HERe NI said the window’s installation was a vital recognition of the LGBTQ+ community.

“Community and visibility matter. When people see themselves reflected in public spaces – in windows, books, classrooms and councils – they feel valued. They feel seen,” she said.

“The window reflects our community strength – how we come together, in our streets and our shared spaces, to lift one another up, to speak out against injustice and to create visibility, where once there was silence.

“For LGBTQ+ people, that recognition is not just nice to have – it is life-affirming. For young LGBTQ+ people walking through the City Hall’s grounds, wondering if they belong – this window says: you do.”